The Cub Scout Uniform

Wearing uniforms has been a method of the Scouting movement from the
beginning. Decades of experience show uniforming to have many benefits,
including these:

Equality. The uniform represents a democratic ideal
of equality. Boys from various cultures and different
economic levels wear the same uniform and cooperate as
equals.

Identification. The uniform identifies a boy as a
member of the Cub Scouts. Badges on the uniform tell other
members that he belongs to their den, pack, and council.
The uniform itself identifies a good citizen to the entire
community.

Achievement. The uniform displays badges and other
awards so the accomplishments of each Cub Scout can be
immediately recognized.

Commitment. Wearing a uniform is a constant reminder
to each Cub Scout of his commitment to the ideals and
purposes of Cub Scouting: duty to God, loyalty to country,
and helpfulness to others.

For these reasons, among others, all parents should emphasize to their
Scouts the importance of wearing the correct and complete uniform on all
suitable occasions.

Tiger Cub, Wolf, and Bear Cub Scouts

The Cub Scout uniform consists of the following parts:

Shirt—The official uniform shirt is available with long
or short sleeves and has button-flap pockets and "Boy Scouts of
America" lettered in gold above the right pocket.

Neckerchief—Triangular neckerchief is orange with
navy-blue trim for Tiger Cubs, gold with navy-blue trim for Wolf
Cub Scouts, light blue with navy-blue trim for Bear Cub Scouts,
and plaid for Webelos Scouts. Official BSA neckerchiefs are the
only neckerchiefs boys should wear. Packs should not make their
own pack neckerchiefs for boys.

Webelos Scouts

Webelos Scouts may choose to wear either the blue Webelos uniform based on
the Cub Scout uniform or the tan/olive uniform similar to the one Boy Scouts
wear.

For the tan/olive uniform, boys wear the official Boy Scout olive trousers
or shorts and official Boy Scout tan long- or short-sleeved shirt with blue
shoulder loops. Official blue socks (with gold tops) are worn with the blue
uniform, and official olive socks (with red tops) are worn with the tan/olive
uniform.

With either uniform, all Webelos Scouts wear the Webelos neckerchief (plaid
with the Webelos emblem), Webelos neckerchief slide (handmade slides are also
acceptable), Webelos cap, and Webelos belt buckle.

Note that the Webelos belt buckle will fit either the blue or the olive
belt, but the belt loop recognitions for the Cub Scout Academics and Sports
program fit only on the blue web belt.

Badges and Insignia

When a boy first joins Cub Scouting, his uniform will display only those
badges that identify his status: the World Crest, which shows him to be a
member of the worldwide Scouting movement; the national flag; his council
strip; his pack number; and his den number. As he progresses, the Cub Scout
will earn badges, pins, medals, and other insignia that tell of his
accomplishments in Scouting. These items should be added to the uniform only
after they have been earned.

For guidance on the proper placement of all badges and insignia, see the
BSA's Uniform and Insignia Guide (No. 33066, available at your local
council service center) or download the uniform inspection sheet from the
forms page.

Wearing the Uniform

In general, every Cub Scout should wear his uniform to all Cub Scouting
activities, including den and pack meetings, unit outings, and any activities
done with members of the den or pack. When playing sports, going to camp, or
participating in other physical activities, a pack may opt to have the Cub
Scouts wear an alternate uniform, such as an activity shirt. Pack leaders
should provide advance notice of any occasion when the boys should wear
anything other than the complete uniform.

Here are some tips for wearing the uniform:

DO keep the uniform clean and in good repair. The official
uniform is a sturdy, machine-washable garment that will last for
years with proper care.

DO be sure to wear the complete uniform. A Cub Scout wearing
a uniform with parts missing is not in uniform.

DO NOT wear non-BSA badges, awards, or insignia on the Cub
Scout uniform or make any alterations to the uniform or insignia.

DO NOT mix uniform parts with non-uniform clothing, such
as wearing a uniform cap with other clothing or wearing the uniform
shirt with blue jeans. The uniform should be treated as a unit—worn
in its entirety, or not at all.

Any time you are uncertain about uniform regulations, ask the den leader
for guidance.

Obtaining a Uniform

The official Cub Scout uniform is available at hundreds of locations across
the nation - including your local council, nationally-operated Scout Shops,
and other licensed retailers - or can be ordered directly from the national
Supply Division. Visit www.scoutstuff.org for a list of distributors in your
area.

Before buying a new uniform, be sure to check with the pack leaders about
other options. Some packs have money-earning projects to raise funds to
uniform their Cub Scouts, or to provide common emblems such as pack and den
numerals. Others may have uniform exchange programs for boys to obtain
"experienced" uniforms.